The expression back against the wall is often used to describe a dire situation with few options. From a tactical standpoint, having your back against a wall presents a unique set of problems. Since your mobility is severely limited, creating distance or accessing your weapons is no easy task. Additionally, the power of any blow the suspect were to land against you would be intensified, since the wall prevents your body from moving back to dissipate the force of the blow. However, with practice you can turn the tables on a suspect who has you pinned against a wall. Let’s consider how to make the wall your "friend".

The wall protects your six!

As previously mentioned, there are certainly drawbacks to being backed against a wall. While intentionally placing your back to a wall might not seem like the brightest idea, it can be beneficial, depending on the circumstances.

For instance, one distinct advantage of having your back to a wall is that you don't have to worry about "checking your six". In other words, no one can attack from your six o'clock position, or directly behind you. This is something to keep in mind when you are dealing with two or more suspects who are trying to flank you.

Braced forearm choke

When a suspect shoves you up against a wall and thrusts his firearm across your trachea, it's "go time!" If you hesitate, one of two things is likely to happen, neither or which are good. You can bet that the suspect will either punch you in the face with his other hand (this would suck because your head has no place to go and would absorb the full force of the blow) or he will continue to apply pressure in attempt to render you unconscious.

The moment you find yourself in this predicament, rather than rely on some complicated technique consisting of several steps, consider this response.

Take advantage of the built in lever created by the configuration of the suspect's arm. Grab the suspect's wrist and pull down while simultaneously thrusting your palm upward to drive his elbow up. This will not only break the hold but will compromise the suspect's balance and place you in an advantageous position, on the outside of the suspect's arm. From there, you could strike the suspect or simply shove him away to achieve a more dominant position and draw a weapon to help tilt the odds in your favor.

From the clinch position